'Rising Star' singing competition sets April 8 Chicago auditions

Aspiring singers, get ready to audition April 8 in Chicago for another TV singing competition.

ABC is getting into the singing competition business with "Rising Star," the first contest in which the audience has the final say in real-time voting.

Says ABC: "The show follows a group of aspiring singers as they perform live. During the performances, viewers vote in real time via an App to determine if the singer will advance in the competition. If the voting reaches a certain threshold, the performer moves on. In addition, the performer can see how the voting is going throughout the performance, so the feedback is immediate and dramatic."

Nationwide auditions begin March 29 in Dallas and hit Chicago April 8 (see schedule below). Aspiring singers are encouraged to visit www.abc.com/risingstar for more information on the audition process. Solo vocalists, duos and vocal groups (up to five members) can register to audition in person, online or nominate a friend/family member.

Eligibility requirements:

You are at least 16 years old and a legal resident of the United States eligible to work in the United States.

You must not be a candidate for public office (or planning to be a candidate in the next year) or have been charged with, or convicted of, a felony.

You may not be connected with ABC, Disney, dick clark productions, inc., Keshet, and anyone associated with the production of the program.